Kennebunkport, Maine: A Guide to the Best Things to Do

Kennebunkport is a charming coastal town in southern Maine. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and abundance of shops and restaurants. Whether you’re looking to relax on the water, explore the town’s history, or enjoy some fresh seafood, Kennebunkport has something for everyone.

Visit the Seashore Trolley Museum

The Seashore Trolley Museum is a must-see for any fan of history or transportation. The museum has a collection of over 200 trolleys, buses, and other vehicles from around the world. You can take a ride on a historic trolley, learn about the history of transportation, or just wander around the museum.

Explore Dock Square is a popular thing to do in Kennebunkport, Maine:

Dock Square is the heart of Kennebunkport. Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and plenty of shops make this area charming. Downtown Kennebunkport, Maine is primarily centered around Dock Square, which is the town’s main commercial and cultural hub. Dock Square is located at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Maine Street and is bordered by the Kennebunk River to the south. The area includes several blocks of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and other businesses, as well as historic buildings and landmarks such as the Captain Lord Mansion and the First Families Kennebunkport Museum. Many of Kennebunkport’s popular attractions and events, such as the Christmas Prelude festival, are also centered around Dock Square.

Kennebunkport Historical Society: This museum features exhibits on the town’s history, including shipbuilding, fishing, and local life. Learn More:

Dock Square Clothiers: A popular clothing store that sells preppy New England-style clothes and accessories. Address: 17 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046

Abacus Gallery: This unique gift shop offers handmade jewelry, pottery, and other crafts from local artists. Abacus is located at 2 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church: This picturesque church was built in the late 1800s and overlooks the ocean. If you follow me, you already know I have a fondness for historic places of worship. Address: 167 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046

The Kennebunkport Inn: A historic inn that offers comfortable accommodations and dining. Rates and Booking

Maine-ly Drizzle: A specialty store that offers a wide selection of gourmet olive oils, balsamic vinegar, and other cooking ingredients. Location: 2 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046

First Families Kennebunkport Museum: This museum is housed in a historic home and features exhibits on the town’s most famous residents, including the Bush family.

Dock Square Coffee House: A cozy coffee shop that serves a variety of specialty coffees, teas, and baked goods. Address: 18 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046

Goose Rocks Beach, Gooch’s Beach, and Kennebunk Beach are popular places to spend the afternoon. These beaches are perfect for taking a stroll. The temperatures in Maine stay fairly cool even in the summer months.

Several companies offer boat tours in Kennebunkport. Local lighthouses, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, and be seen by tours. Scenic cruises on the Kennebunk River are always a top tourist attraction.

Rugosa Lobster Tours: Take a 90-minute lobster tour on a classic wooden lobster boat, the Rugosa. Learn about lobster fishing, see the local lighthouses, and even help haul in a trap.

Schooner Eleanor: Sail on a historic schooner built in 1999 and enjoy a two-hour scenic tour of the Kennebunk River and the Maine coastline.

First Chance Whale Watch: Take a four-hour whale watching tour with First Chance Whale Watch and see humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as seals, porpoises, and dolphins.

Pineapple Ketch: Sail aboard a classic sailing vessel, the Pineapple Ketch, and take a 2-hour tour of the Kennebunk River and the Maine coastline.

The First Families Kennebunkport Museum is a small museum that tells the story of the town’s early settlers. The Kennebunkport Museum is housed in a historic house that was built in the 1700s. This is a popular attraction for history buffs.

Kennebunkport has a wide variety of restaurants, from casual seafood shacks to fine dining establishments. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as lobster rolls, clam chowder, and blueberry pie. Supporting locals allows travelers to get a real feel for the community and also ensures tourism dollars stay local.

The Tides Beach Club: This beachfront restaurant offers a chic and relaxed atmosphere and serves fresh seafood and cocktails. Tides Beach Club is also a charming hotel for those looking for a place to stay. Check rates and Booking:

Earth at Hidden Pond: This farm-to-table restaurant offers an innovative and seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and creative cocktails. Address: 354 Goose Rocks Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046

Alisson’s Restaurant: A casual, family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of American cuisine including seafood, burgers, and salads. Address: 11 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046

The Boathouse: A waterfront restaurant with a classic New England menu featuring fresh seafood, chowder, and lobster rolls. Address: 21 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046

The Burleigh at the Kennebunkport Inn: This upscale seafood restaurant features a menu of classic New England dishes with a modern twist and an extensive wine list.

Hurricane Restaurant: A casual eatery featuring classic Maine seafood dishes and New England favorites, with indoor and outdoor seating.

Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant: A lively and colorful restaurant serving up authentic Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails. 181 Port Rd, Kennebunk, ME 04043

Batson River Brewing and Distilling: Not only a brewery and distillery, but this place also serves delicious New England-style pub fare such as flatbreads and sandwiches. 12 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043

Important Note – Restaurants in Maine are often open seasonally. Therefore I recommend calling ahead.

Old Vines Wine Bar: A cozy wine bar located in the heart of Dock Square, offering a wide selection of wines by glass and bottle. Open til 10 pm normally. Address: 173 Port Rd, Kennebunk, ME 04043

The Pilot House: A popular local bar featuring live music, karaoke, and a wide selection of beers on tap. State Rte 9, Kennebunk, ME 04043

The Boathouse: A waterfront restaurant with an outdoor deck that offers live music during the summer months.

The Ramp Bar & Grill: A casual bar and restaurant located on the waterfront in Cape Porpoise, featuring seafood, burgers, and a variety of beers and cocktails.

Batson River Brewing and Distilling: This brewery and distillery not only offers great beers and spirits but also features live music and events throughout the year.

Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant: This colorful and lively restaurant also has a bar area with a selection of margaritas and cocktails.

After a long day of exploring, why not treat yourself to a massage or facial at one of Kennebunkport’s many spas? Leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The Spa at White Barn Inn: Located within the White Barn Inn & Spa, this luxury spa offers a range of treatments. Address: 37 Beach Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043

Cottage Breeze Day Spa: This cozy day spa offers a variety of massages, facials, and body treatments, as well as nail and hair services. 31 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043

Tree Spa at Hidden Pond: Book a spa day with one of the top spas in Kennebunkport. ME. 354 Goose Rocks Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046

The Kennebunk River is a beautiful place to take a walk. Follow the riverbank for miles, or just stop and enjoy the scenery from one of the many benches along the way.

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is a top thing to do in Kennebunkport for nature lovers.  Bald eagles, ospreys, and herons call the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge home.

Fishing is a top activity in Kennebunkport. Fish from the shore, from a boat, or even from a pier. There are many different types of fish to catch, including striped bass, bluefish, and flounder.

Several companies offer lobster tours in Kennebunkport. These tours take you out on a boat to see how lobsters are caught. Learn about the history of the lobster industry and the different types of lobsters that are caught.

Visit the Goat Island Lighthouse

The Goat Island Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse that is located in Kennebunkport Harbor. The lighthouse is open to the public for tours.

Relax on Goose Rocks Beach

Goose Rocks Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kennebunkport. The beach is known for its beautiful sand and clear water. Goose Rock Beach is a popular place to relax.

Visiting the Cape Porpoise Pier is always on the list of the top things to do:

The Cape Porpoise Pier is a popular spot for fishing, crabbing, and whale watching. Cape Porpoise Pier is also a great place to just relax and enjoy the view.

Final Wrap-up Kennebunkport Maine: 

Hope I was able to provide some travel inspiration today. Kennebunkport has beautiful scenery, a laid-back atmosphere, and a true spirit of community.